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If you’ve ever stared at your old Polaroid shots and wanted to see them move, or watched old video clips and wished you could capture a shot as a keepsake, we have good news. Fujifilm has just released their brand-new hybrid instant camera that combines video capabilities with their iconic instant photo prints, in a best-of-both-worlds package named the instax mini Evo Cinema.
Apart from its ability to capture both still images and videos, the first feature we loved was its vertical grip design, inspired by Fujifilm’s Fujica Single-8 8mm camera from the 60s. The physicality of holding a piece of machinery aloft that isn’t just a smartphone or those discreet little cameras favoured by vloggers and influencers tickles our brain right – it’s reminiscent of using an old-school camcorder, even if the way you hold it and take shots is different.
On the opposite end of the lens sits an LCD monitor that acts as both viewfinder and the digital screen to select favourite shots to print. Users can single out still images from their clips to be printed into an instant photo – these cleverly come printed with a QR code that links to the actual video itself. Of course, normal Polaroids unmarred by the hyper-digital touch of QR codes can also be printed like any of Fujifilm’s instant cameras as well.
Another key feature of the mini Evo Cinema is the Eras Dial, which applies visual effects inspired by different eras in time. Think the texture of vintage CRT tv sets from the 70s. Controlled by a spinning dial on the edge of the camera, 10 effects are available to choose from, each with 10 adjustable levels, which means there are 100 possible variations of filters you can apply to shots. These can be used on both videos and still images – on videos they can even add audio effects – and we can already imagine they’re going to look sick on moody city shots and candid street portraits.
There’s also a dedicated app that allows users to edit their videos by remixing clips and even add cinematic opening and ending templates. You can even print instant photos from your smartphone camera roll with the ‘Direct Print Function’, like with the instax mini Link or the mini Evo camera. So really, the mini Evo Cinema is like a three-in-one product, combining photos, videos, and printer functions in one stylish package.
We don’t really know how Fujifilm is going to top this, but we’re definitely sat. In the meantime, excuse us while we run around the city shooting an indie film. The mini Evo Cinema is now available in Hong Kong, priced at $2,980.
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